It’s no secret that it’s easier for most of us to digest complex information through the use of images versus text. After all, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s exactly why data visualization, and having the right data visualization tools, is so critical.

What is Data Visualization?

Data visualization is the use of information or data in a chart, graph or other visual format. It uses images to explain the relationship between the information, which makes it easier to identify trends and patterns.

Machine learning enhances data visualization by using functions like predictive analysis to gather real-time insights and increase the effectiveness of data mining.

The use of data visualization spans all industries including healthcare, finance, marketing, and more.

What makes it so appealing is all the possible uses of data visualization — analyzing risk, monitoring changes over time, determining correlations, establishing frequency of events, predicting sales volumes, identifying areas needing improvement, and scheduling.

To ensure you’re able to make the most of your data, here are the four best data visualization tools.

#1. Tableau

As one of the most popular data visualization tools on the market, those looking for data visualization jobs will be expected to already be familiar with it. As an end-to-end analytics platform for data, Tableau can be used for every step of the process.

Tableau enables you to securely access your data, share interactive dashboards, power insights with advanced analytics, calculations, and statistics, integrate with your existing data infrastructure, and so much more.

With its ability to manage large volumes of data and its well-organized and user-friendly interface, it’s no surprise that this data visualization tool has been so widely adopted.

#2. Sisense

Operating on a hybrid-cloud platform with in-chip processing, Sisense offers all the things you’d expect from a data visualization tool — self-service analytics, white-labeled business intelligence applications, and the ability to build, embed, and deploy complex data.

Sisense equips users with the insights they need to create innovative business solutions and present data in a dynamic yet easily digestible way.

But, due to the advanced nature of the platform, it may not be the ideal choice for newer users to data visualization tools.

#3. Google Analytics (Google Charts)

While many people are already familiar with many aspects of Google Analytics, the capabilities of Google Charts shouldn’t be overlooked.

Thanks to the embedding of JavaScript, this particular platform is very friendly for novice data visualization creators. Users can source data from other locations, like Fusion tables and Google Sheets, and create animations, events, and other interactive elements.

One of the biggest appeals of this data visualization tool is that it’s free, but the trade-off is that many of the advanced functions users are looking for aren’t included.

#4. FusionCharts

From simple to highly complex data, FusionCharts can handle it all. With over 100 charts and 2000 maps, this data visualization tool offers cross-browser support, extensive documentation, and a consistent API.

The data visualization tools are customizable and support both the front and back end of the tech stack. Plus, users can create dashboards and images using the many options available through the chart library.

Making the Most of Data Visualization Tools

Having the right skills along with working knowledge of the top data visualization tools is critical to being able to land data science, digital marketing, and project management roles.

Interested in learning more about how to create clear and impactful data visualizations to support different viewpoints and make data-driven recommendations?

The Udacity Data Visualization Nanodegree gives you the foundation you need to be successful. Learn how to design and create dashboards, as well as how to design, build and animate a data story, and so much more. 

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